The Planet Mars
Mars is the ruling planet of Aries and, before the discovery of Pluto, it was universally considered the ruler of Scorpio. Most modern astrologers consider Pluto the ruler of Scorpio, but many regard Mars as a co-ruler, while all traditional astrologers still regard Mars as the only ruler of Scorpio.
Mars was the Roman god of war and bloodshed, whose symbol was a spear and shield (from which its glyph is derived). Both the soil of Mars and the hemoglobin of our blood are rich in iron, and because of this they share its distinct deep red color. Mars orbits the sun in 687 days, spending about 57.25 days in each sign of the [[def:zodiac]]. It is also the first planet that orbits outside of Earth's orbit making it the first planet that doesn't set along with the sun.
Astrology
Astrologically Mars is associated with confidence and self assertion, aggression, sexuality, energy, strength, ambition, and impulsiveness. Mars governs sports, competitions and physical activities in general. The first-century poet Manilius, described the planet Mars as ardent, and as the lesser malefic.
In Chinese astrology, Mars is ruled by the element fire, which is passionate, energetic and adventurous. In Indian astrology, Mars is called Mangala and represents energy, confidence and ego.
Healing
In medicine Mars presides over the genitals, the muscular system, the gonads and adrenal glands; it was held to be hot and excessively dry, and ruled the choleric humour. It was associated with fever, accidents, trauma, pain and surgery. In modern astrology, Mars is said to rule the 1st and 8th houses; traditionally, however, Mars ruled the 3rd and 10th houses and was said to bring 'joy' in the 6th house of servants, chores and ill-health (all of these houses are associated with labor and energy expenditure: 3rd - schoolchild, 10th - worker, 6th - servant). While Venus tends to the overall relationship atmosphere, Mars is the passionate impulse and action, the masculine aspect, and this goes beyond sex into your drive, discipline, will-power and stamina.
Other Correspondences
Mars is associated with Tuesday, and in Romance languages the word for Tuesday often resembles Mars (in Spanish, martes and in French, mardi). Dante Alighieri associated Mars with the liberal art of arithmetic.
The color red, the-tower tarot card, the sword and the pentagram are all symbols of Mars.
The horse, the bear and the wolf are also associated with Mars.
Mars and Magick
The energy of Mars may be invoked in magical workings dealing with warriors, war or battles, attack or defense, increasing or preserving physical strength, courage or sexual potency. It can also be invoked to break binding spells and love spells and to counter or protect against any spells using Venus energy. Mars energy lends itself well to spells to induce lust and passion, but not love and devotion.
Herbs Associated with the Planet Mars
Thorny and/or red plants are often associated with Mars as are those with a strong, spicy flavor and the ability to warm and stimulate or energize the body.
Acacia, Agapanthus, Aloe, All-Heal, Asafoetida, Asarabacca, Ashwagandha, Barberry, Basil, Belladonna, Betony, Black cherry, Black gum, Blue cohosh, Broomrape, Bryony, Buckbush, Butterbur, Butcher's broom, Cacti, Calamus, Caper, Cardamom, Cardoon, Cassava, Catnip, Chicalote, Chickweed, Chives, Coneflower, Coriander, Corn salad, Cow Parsnip, Cypress, Dandelion leaf, Devil's claw root, Dragonhead flower, Dragon tree, Field horsetail, Flax lily, Garlic, Gentian, ginger, Gobo, Gorse, Guanique, Hawthorn, Horseradish, Hyacinth, Japanese knotweed, Kola nut, Lamium, Maca, Madder Root, Madwoman's Milk, Masterwort, Mistletoe, Mugwort, Mullein, Mustard, nettles, Onion, Pepper, Pepperwort, Pennyroyal, Pigweed, Radish, Red cedar, Red clover, Red-hot poker, Reed, Resurrection lily, Rowan, Rue, Safflower, Sarsaparilla, Solandra, Tea, Tarragon, Thistle, Thyme, Toadflax, Tomatillo, Turmeric, Wild ginger, Wild tobacco, Wormwood, Yohimbe
Crystals Associated with Mars
Any red stone can be used to represent Mars including ruby and garnet. Bloodstone also contains Mars energy.
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